Rumors of a possible lockdown in Ukraine have been circulating for long weeks. There were many versions and assumptions, nevertheless, the final word remained with the Cabinet of Ministers, which voiced the final verdict. True, the upcoming strengthening of restrictive measures due to the Covid-19 coronavirus was called "winter holidays for the sake of safety."
We understand the terms, bans, how transport will work during these "holidays" and how they differ from the spring lockdown.
When?
Enhanced quarantine restrictions will be introduced in Ukraine from January 8 to January 24, 2021.
But. If the situation with the incidence of coronavirus worsens, the government retains the opportunity to tighten restrictive measures at other times.
What is prohibited
- visiting educational institutions of any form of ownership, except for kindergartens;
- work of cafes, bars, restaurants (except for delivery and take away);
- work of cinemas, theaters;
- carrying out of all mass (entertainment, sports, social, advertising) events;
- the work of shopping and entertainment centers (only trade in food products, medicines, veterinary drugs, personal hygiene products and household chemicals will be allowed in them);
- receiving visitors to cultural institutions and holding cultural events;
- reception of visitors to gyms, fitness centers and the operation of swimming pools;
- the work of business entities in the field of trade and consumer services for the population;
- work of non-food markets (food will be able to work, but with restrictions).
What is allowed
- food products trade;
- medical products and veterinary drugs trade;
- hygiene products, communication equipment, and animal feed trade;
- maintenance and repair of cars;
- work of gas stations (without food zones);
- the work of financial institutions (banks);
- work of postal operators;
- work of hairdressers and beauty salons (by appointment only, without waiting in the room);
- work of hotels (common food zones in them will work only from 6:00 to 11:00);
- sports events of professional clubs without spectators.
Important note
In Ukraine, until February 28, 2021, the national quarantine and emergency regime have been extended.
During the quarantine period, in addition to the so-called winter holidays from January 8 to 24, catering establishments were allowed to work until 11 pm (previously - until 10 pm), but they must carry out all calculations before 22:00.
In addition, based on the statement of the Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov, on December 31, catering establishments might be allowed to work until 01:00.
Public transport
It will not be closed. As Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted at a government meeting, public transport will continue to work "so that people can go to work at those enterprises that will operate during the period of increased quarantine."
As the Minister of Infrastructure Vladyslav Krikliy specified, vehicles, including fixed-route taxis, trolleybuses, trams, and the railway, will carry passengers in the number of seats.
This also applies to urban, suburban, intercity, intraregional, and interregional communications.
Domestic air transportation will be carried out without restrictions, but during air travel abroad, the minister advises checking the conditions of entry/exit established for Ukrainian citizens by the country where the passenger is traveling.
According to the minister, the subway will carry passengers without restrictions on the number of seats.
Spring lockdown
Lockdown, which has been operating in Ukraine from March to May of this year, is still different from the upcoming tightening of quarantine.
So, in the spring, the work of educational institutions, cafes, restaurants, shopping and entertainment centers, markets was prohibited. Cinemas, theaters, gyms, swimming pools, beauty salons, and hairdressers were closed.
As for public transport, in cities, it worked only with passes, and international passenger and transport links within the country (intercity, regional transportation) were suspended. The metro did not work.
Visits to parks, squares, recreation areas, forest parks, and coastal areas were also prohibited. The only "legal" pass here was walking pets, but not more than one person.
Therefore, some enterprising citizens came to the park not only with dogs but also with cats and even chickens.
People over the age of 60 who are known to be at high risk should have been in self-isolation. That is, stay at home and refrain from contact with other people, except for those with whom they live together.
Children under the age of 14 could leave the house only if accompanied by their parents. Adults were not allowed to move in groups of more than two people.
